The Northern Illinois University wrestling team defeated in-state rival Northwestern of the Big Ten Conference, 24-13, in the annual showcase meet on Thursday at the Convocation Center.
"I think the difference tonight was we wrestled hard at critical situations," NIU coach Dave Grant said. "It's all about continuing to wrestle. When you do that, good things happen.
"Overall, it was a pretty good night. Anytime you can beat a Big Ten opponent, that's a notable victory."
Trailing 9-10 after the sixth match of the evening, Bryan Deutsch scored a defensive pin over Northwestern's Kevin Biakla, 51 seconds into the third period to take the victory at 157 and give the Huskies a 15-10 lead.
"He's a guy that makes things happen," Grant said of Deutsch's performance. "He never quits wrestling. He's dangerous at all times.
John Odeen all but sealed the win for NIU (4-2) in the next match when he defeated Robert Kellogg, 6-1, at 165. Northwestern (1-3-1) forfeited the match at 174, giving Mason True the win and putting the Huskies up 24-10 with one match remaining.
John Odeen had a close match," he said. "He kept wrestling, even on the edge. I've seen a lot of guys stop and give up in that situation. But that `never say die' attitude is what we've been talking about. "
The Huskies won six matches on the evening. Dakota Greenhaw and Izzy Montemayor took home the titles at 285 and 125 respectively. With the Huskies trailing 6-5, Patrick McLemore put NIU back on top, 9-6, with a 10-1 major decision over the Wildcats' Bobby Joyce at 141.
Northern Illinois 24, Northwestern 13
197: John Schoen (NU) dec. Scott Penny (NIU), 5-0
285: Dakota Greenhaw (NIU) dec. Ben Kuhar (NU), 6-2
125: Izzy Montemayor (NIU) dec. Levi Mele (NU), 4-3
133: Eric Metzler (NU) dec. Tristen DeShazer (NIU), 5-1
141: Patrick McLemore (NIU) Maj. dec. Bobby Joyce (NU), 10-1
149: Andrew Nadhir (NU) Maj. dec. Dan Ruettiger (NIU), 13-5
157: Bryan Deutsch (NIU) pin Kevin Bialka (NU), 5:51
165: John Odeen (NIU) dec. Robert Kellogg (NU), 6-1
174: Mason True (NIU) wins by forfeit
184: Aaron Jones (NU) dec. Zach Benzio (NIU), 7-2
